Category Archives: Fort Scott

Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott, Sports

50 Years in the Community: Buck Run Community Center

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Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

The Buck Run Community Center came into being after the YMCA building was torn down in 1974. The “Y” had served the Fort Scott community for almost seven decades since it was built in 1907.

Members of the board of the Fort Scott YMCA, in a photo dated 1975. The photo is taken from a program booklet, authored by Pat Henry. The members of this board who also served on the original Neighborhood Facility, which was opened in 1975: are front row, from left Les Hinkley; Harry Fisher, second from right; and Curt Shankel, right.  Second row from left, second person is Albert Hill, to his right is Jack Eshelbrenner. Gloria Key and Beth King are not in this picture.

In 1975, the Neighborhood Center, which was its original name of Buck Run Community Center,  was built at 735 Scott Avenue.

Serving on the first board were Jack Eshelbrenner, Harry Fisher, Albert Hill, Les Hinkley, Gloria Key, and Beth King.

From the dedication program booklet for the new Neighborhood Center, 1975.

Buck Run Community Center celebrates 50 years in Fort Scott this year.

The Center is located east of the Fort Scott swimming pool, and can be seen by passers-by from Hwy. 69.

It continues today to serve the community with recreation programs for all ages and, during winter months, acts as a warming station for those who need it.

Through the years, the original bandshell was transformed into a stage in the Corey Larson Gymnasium. There is a fitness center, another gym, a racquetball court, a kitchen, a lounge, some general-purpose rooms, storage areas, and an office.

In the Corey Larson Gym, there is a stage available and a small adjacent kitchen.

Beth King Nuss was the first director in 1975.

“It’s a pivotal place in the community…as a meeting place for people and organizations,” Nuss said.

Lucas Kelley, the current director of Buck Run Community Center, said, “The Center provides a safe place for families, groups to come together and make memories. Just about every weekend, there is a birthday celebration, wedding or baby shower, family reunion, or funeral dinner.  There are also skate parties, where for $20 you can rent skates for your group and rent the gym for $40 for three hours, if a kid is having a birthday.”

Here is what is offered to the community: handicap-accessible services, with a full-sized basketball court and two regulation volleyball courts. The structure also has a tumbling/gymnastics and aerobics room upstairs, as well as a weight room and fitness center. Picklball and racquetball are also played there, according to its website. There is another pickleball outdoor court at 9th and Burke Street, by the water tower.

Buck Run Community Center is having a Back to School Bash with free backpack giveaways on Saturday, August 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To learn more about the Buck Run Community Center’s current programs/activities:

Backpack Giveaways At BRCC Back to School Bash on August 9

A relatively new sport is pickleball. In this photo, pickleball players enjoy the game indoors in July 2025 at Buck Run Community Center’s gym.

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Fort Scott School District U234 Starts Classes on August 15

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This is part of a series on the schools starting the 2025 school year in our community.

Destry Brown. Submitted photo.

 

Destry Brown is the superintendent of schools for Fort Scott’s School District, USD234.

“We are looking forward to another great year in Tiger Land!” he told Fort Scott Biz in an interview.

The first day of school for teachers in 2025 is August 11, with students first day of August 15.

He said student school supply lists are all posted on the district’s  Facebook page.

Vaccinations are a part of the new school year in schools across the nation.

“If students have started their immunizations before school starts, we work with the families to get them completed by a deadline,” Brown said. “We have not set that deadline for this year yet. It is usually in late September. If the family claims a religious reason for not getting the immunizations, they need to contact the school nurse and complete a form stating that.”

The USD234 student enrollment is approximately the same as last year, 1,750 students in five buildings across the town.

A more accurate number will be after the first couple of weeks of school, he said.

The following are the names of the school district’s 20 new teachers and administrators assigned to each building.

Winfield Scott Elementary:
Amanda Karleskint – 2nd grade
Shana Staton – Special Education
Amanda Johnson – Music
Kendal Bowles – Special Education

Eugene Ware Elementary:
Billie Marlow – 5th Grade
Angela Christy – 3rd Grade

Fort Scott Middle School:
D.J. Brown – Principal
Trey Brown – 7th Grade Social Studies
Kiel Simas – Physical Education

Fort Scott High School:
Jeff Johnson – Principal
Josh Regan – Assistant Principal
Drew Carney – Physical Education
Aleana Erie – English
Eliya Deckinger – Counselor
Marjorie Campbell – Special Education
Chloe Whitt – Drivers’ Education and Business
Jake Durossette – Business
Johnathon Stark – Physical Education
Jesse Turner – Special Education

Kansas Renewal Institute:
Christina Ellis – Elementary

New this year are textbooks and resources for middle and high school English Language Arts classes.

“We have also added a new curriculum for teaching Social and Emotional skills for Kindergarten through 12th grade called Satchel Pulse. The counselors will be using the curriculum to teach weekly lessons to our students throughout the district.”

On the horizon is a new preschool location.

“We are awaiting the architectural drawings for the new preschool building on Horton (at the intersection of 9th Street) to be approved by the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office. As soon as those are approved, we will go out to bid on the work inside the building. In the meantime, we will be having dirt work and waterproofing done on the outside of the building.”

 

Business, Fort Scott

Kannarr Eye Center Hosts Chamber Coffee on August 7

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Kannarr Eye Center
Thursday, August 7th

8am

1711 S. National Ave. Ste. E

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Kannarr Eye Care, 1711 S. National Ave., Ste. E, this Thursday, August 7th, at 8am. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.

Kannarr Eye Care is proud to be part of the Fort Scott community, one of four locations that also include two in Pittsburg and one in Girard. Dr. Ethan Powell leads the Fort Scott office, providing expert and compassionate care to local patients.

Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed during lunch), the clinic offers comprehensive eye care – from routine exams to treatment and management of conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eye, and infections.

With a wide selection of frames, lenses, and contact lenses, Kannarr Eye Care is committed to helping every patient find the right solution for their vision needs. The team is excited to continue building relationships and sharing more about their services and Dr. Powell.

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.

Click HERE to visit the

Kannarr Eye Care Facebook Page!

Click HERE to view their website!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for August 5

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    NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

August 5, 2025  –  6:00 P.M.

 

 

  1.     Call to Order/Roll Call
  2. Pledge of Allegiance

III.       Invocation

  1. Approval of Agenda
  2. Consent Agenda
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1389-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of July 9, 2025 – July 22, 2025 – $914,570.97
  4. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of July 15, 2025, and Special Meeting              of July 30, 2025

 

  1. Public Comment

VII.      Appearances

           

VIII.   Unfinished Business

  1. Cape Seal Payment
  2. Consideration of Bids for Davis Lift Station Pump #2 – Tabled from 7/15/2025

 

  1. New Business

            Public Hearing:

  1. Case No. 1052 – Conditional Use Permit – 2400 S. Main – Amazon Storage Unit – Recommended by Planning Commission on July 9, 2025 

 

            Action Items:

  1. Consideration of Interlocal Agreement and $40,000.00 Match Funds – BNSF Railroad Planning Grant – M. Wyatt
  2. Consideration of members for Fort Scott Historic Preservation & Resource Commission (FSHPRC) – Applicants: Kristina Ellerbe, Peggy Cummings, Rachel French, Martha Jane Gentry, Rhonda Hassig, Arnold Schofield, Jerry Witt and Kathy Dancer – L. Dillon
  3. Consideration of New Policy for RHID Applications – L. Dillon
  4. Consideration of FRAME Grant Donation – L. Dillon

 

  1. Reports and Comments
  2. Adjourn
Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for FS City Commission Special Meeting on August 4

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    NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

August 4, 2025  –  5:00 P.M.

 

 

  1.     Call to Order/Roll Call
  2. Pledge of Allegiance

III.       New Business

            Action Items:

  1. Consideration of MOU – IT Services – USD 234 and City of Fort Scott – B. Matkin
  2. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3784 – Citizens’ IT Advisory Board – T. Dancer
  3. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3785 – Contract Advisory Board – T. Dancer
  4. Adjourn
Exercise, Fort Scott, Sports, Youth

Backpack Giveaways At BRCC Back to School Bash on August 9

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On the inside wall of the Center.
Buck Run Community Center is having a Back to School Bash with free backpack giveaways.
The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 9 at the center located at 735 Scott Avenue, in back of the Fort Scott Aquatic Center.
“Enjoy mouthwatering meals and treats from our amazing local food trucks—perfect for lunchtime cravings,” said Lucas Kelley, director of Fort Scott Recreation, of which the Center is a part.
Lucas Kelley, director of Fort Scott Recreation, of which Buck Run Community Center is a part.
“We’re celebrating 50 years of Buck Run Community Center with a fun-filled Back to School Bash! We will also be handing out backpacks and school supplies that day! Come see what we have for you! We are excited to be able to host our 2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway,” said Kelley.
They will give away: 480 backpacks, glue sticks/bottles of glue, pencils,  and notebooks.
“Bring the whole family and enjoy free activities like:

 mini golf,  laser tag,  cookies and lemonade, face painting and inflatables,” he said.

A plaque inside Buck Run Community Center.

The center is celebrating 50 years of service to the community this year, and here is what is offered to the community: handicap-accessible services, with a full-sized basketball court and two regulation volleyball courts. The structure also has a tumbling/gymnastics and aerobics room upstairs, as well as a weight room and fitness center. Picklball and racquetball are played there as well, according to its website. There is another pickleball outdoor court at 9th and Burke Street, by the water tower.

Pickleball players enjoy the air conditioning while playing on July 31 in a gym at Buck Run.
The recreation program also oversees the maintenance and scheduling of Ellis Park, Fisher Park and Third Street Park.
Additionally, they provide a self-serve kiosk at Gunn Park for renting discs for the disc golf game holes.
To learn more:

https://brcc.recdesk.com/Community/Home

The fitness center at Buck Run.

Features of the  center:

  • Auditorium with a stage
  • Fitness center
  • Kitchen
  • Lounge with a television
  • Shower facilities
  • 2 meeting rooms
In the Corey Larson Gym, there is a stage available and a small adjacent kitchen.

Also outside of the Buck Run Community Center, there is a sand volleyball court. The meeting rooms and auditorium may be rented for private use.

The Fort Scott Recreation Department runs an extensive adult and youth program from within the Center. For information on facilities or recreation programs, call 620-223-0386.

Deb Stewart is the 60+Nutrition Site Director for meals that are provided at 11:30 a.m. daily in one of Buck Run’s meeting rooms.

There is an on-site meal for those 60 years old and over at Buck Run in one of the meeting rooms.

Deb Stewart, site director of 60+Nutrition, said the meal is provided with a $2 suggested donation at 11:30 a.m., and the only qualification is being at least 60 years old. For more information: https://www.sekaaa.com/nutrition

The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging manages the 60+ Nutrition Program for nine SEK counties, providing nutritious meals to individuals 60+ years of age. The meals can be provided in home (for those who qualify) or at designated sites in the community. A suggested donation of $2 per meal is requested, but inability to pay does not prevent anyone from receiving a meal, according to its website.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Local Granting Foundation Is Accepting Funding Applications

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FSACF Launches 2025 Grant Cycle

 

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) is now accepting applications for the 2025 General Funds Grant program.  Applications will be accepted through August 31st, 2025.

Since 2009, the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) has hosted their annual FSACF grant cycle supporting a variety of projects in Bourbon County. Since inception, the foundation has awarded over $464,000 to a variety of projects across Bourbon County.

“The Community Foundation and its donors literally change lives of area residents for the better,” said Gregg Motley, FSACF Board Member and Granting Committee Chairman. “It is a joy to be a part of it.”

Applications for the 2025 FSACF grant cycle are available at FSACF.com/Grant-App and are open until midnight on August 31st.

Information about the FSACF grant cycle, and a list of previous recipients are available at FSACF.com/nonprofits/grants.

Questions regarding the grant applications should be directed to CFSEK Program Coordinator Kara Mishmash at SoutheastKansas.org/Contact/Kara.

***

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott August 1 Edition

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! August 1st Weekly Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees

Every Thursday at 8am

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset

** Guided tours Saturday & Sunday 10am & 1pm! **

Click HERE to visit the website.

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

Fort Scott Farmers Market

Saturdays | 8am-noon & Tuesdays | 4-6pm

Gathering Square Pavilion, 111 N. National

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am-4pm

Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.

620-231-4250

FS Public Library

*Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30-3pm

*Summer Reading June 3rd – July 29th!

201 S. National Ave.

Kansas Small Business Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9am-4pm.

Dolly Trolley Historic 50-min narrated tours!

Adults $6 | Children 12&under $4

Call 620-223-3566 or stop in the Chamber at

231 E. Wall St. to book your ride!

Fort Scott Aquatic Center

Opens Memorial Day, May 26th

Monday – Saturday

Public Swim: 1-5:15pm

Adult/Family Swim :5:30-7pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3pm & 5:15pm

Sunday

Public Swim: 1-6pm

Adult/Family Swim: 4:45-6pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3 & 4:30pm

Sign up for Supplemental Art Classes

with The Artificers

Multiple dates & times available

Click HERE to sign up!

Early-Bird Pricing until 8/8.

Regular registration pricing until 9/5.

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

UPCOMING EVENTS

8/1 ~ There will be no

Friday Night Concert In The Park this week. Please enjoy other scheduled LIVE music happening in Fort Scott!

8/1-15 ~ | Back to School Appreciation Party

by Sunshine Boutique

Deals & Mark Downs

3 Back to School/Work Basket Giveaways

Hidden Sales – Find the faux apples!

Bring your faculty or student ID for an

extra 15% off

8/1-2 ~ | Kids Church

New Life Pentecostal

1330 215 St. Fort Scott, KS

August 1st | 7pm

August 2nd | 2pm

8/1 ~ 5-9pm | The Empty Bowl Fundraiser & First Friday at The Artificers

Experience Ceramic Artists throw & hand build bowls on the potter’s wheel!

8/1 ~ 6-9pm | Mi Ranchito Live Music

with Royce Hyer

8/1-3 Sales Tax Holiday Weekend

Tax Free Shopping Event Downtown & Around

💲Get ready to save ⚡9.65%⚡

Shop participating stores to save! ⬇️

🔥110 South Main Mercantile

🌡️Angie Dawn’s

🔥Barbed Wire & Roses

🌡️Be the Light

🔥Bids & Dibs

🌡️Care to Share Gift Shop

🔥Laree + Co

🌡️Main St. Vintage & Co.

🔥Papa Don’s Pizza

🌡️Ruddick’s Furniture

🔥Shirt Shack

🌡️Sunshine Boutique

🛒 Spend $5+ more in 3 or more stores for a chance to win $5️⃣0️⃣ ($50) in Chamber Bucks!

🎂🫧 In conjunction with the Sales Tax Holiday Shopping Event, will be Laree + Co’s, Lillian’s 9th Birthday Celebration. 💸

8/2 ~ 9am-5pm | Lillian’s 9th Birthday Celebration at Laree + Co & participating locations

🎉🎈 Enjoy Special Storefront Hours 9am-5pm!

🧁Birthday Treats

💎 Charm Bar

🫧Lils Scavenger Hunt + Bubbles at participating Businesses

8/2 ~ 9am | Waypoint Coins Hide & Seek Event

7 S. National (Waypoint HQ)

A real-world treasure hunt where coins are hidden around town

8/2 ~ 7pm | First Friday Free Concert by The City Of Fort Scott feat. Los Swamp Monsters

Gathering Square Pavilion

8/2 ~ Kansas Rocks Newbie Women Wheelers Basic Recovery Course

8/2 ~ 9am | 4 Spurs Rodeo

Bourbon County Fairgrounds

8/2 ~ Coffee & Clay at The Artificers

SOLD OUT

8/4-6 ~ 12-2pm | FSHS Tiger Debate Novice Camp

Room 100 (Enter thru East Doorway by the Gym)

8/7 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee

hosted by Kannarr Eye Care

1711 S. National Ave. Ste. E

8/8 ~ 7-8pm | Friday Night Concerts

In The Park

Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main

Downtown Fort Scott

8/9 ~ 10-12:30pm | Fort Scott

Stamp Club Meeting

FS Public Library – Lower Level Conf. Room

201 S. National Ave.

8/9 ~ 10:30am-3pm | Paint Your Pet with Anita

at The Artificers

$45/class

Two Classes:

10:30am – 12:30pm | 1-3pm

Click HERE to register!

8/9 ~ 11am-2pm | Back to School Bash/Backpack Giveaway by Fort Scott Rec Dept at Buck Run Community Center

735 S. Scott St.

Bring the whole family & enjoy free activities:

– Mini golf

– Laser tag

– Cookies & lemonade

– Face painting

– Inflatables

8/9 ~ 12pm | Back to School Giveaway by

United Missionary Baptist Church

16 North Ransom (Behind Sherwin-Williams)

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Facebook
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

FS Free First Friday Concert Aug. 1 at 7 p.m.

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FREE CONCERT!

The City of Fort Scott invites you to enjoy their First Fridays Free Concert Event featuring

Los Swamp Monsters.

Friday

August 1st, 2025

7 pm

Gathering Square Pavilion

(next to the Splash Pad)

Click HERE for the City of Fort Scott webpage!

Click HERE for the City of Fort Scott Facebook page!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members..
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Entertainment, Fort Scott

Waypoint Coins Hide and Seek is August 2

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Hide & Seek Event!

Mark your calendars for the

Waypoint Coins Hide & Seek Event, in the heart of downtown Fort Scott!  Get ready to embark on a modern-day treasure hunt that’s perfect for adventurers of all ages.

August 2nd, 2025

9am

7 S. National Ave.

(Waypoint HQ)

What to Expect:

Hidden coins to discover around town

Giveaways and surprise prizes

A chance to earn a Team Waypoint Coin (rare & exclusive!)

Fun for all ages

Get Ready Before the Hunt

Download the free Waypoint Coins app to track your finds, earn points, and join the community. Get familiar with it ahead of time so you’re ready to go!

Click HERE to download the app!

Waypoint coins can also be customized for business

branding, personal gifts, and community events designed to tell your story!

Click HERE to learn more about Waypoint Coins!

Click HERE for Waypoint Coin’s official Facebook page!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members..
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee is Today at Twister Trailer at 8 a.m.

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Twister Trailer
Today! Thursday, July 31st

8am

400 N. National Ave.

(across the street to the west of Riverfront Park)

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Twister Trailer, 400 N. National Ave., this Thursday, July 31st, at 8am. The business is located across the street to the west of Riverfront Park. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.

Twister Trailer was born from a deep-rooted passion for the western lifestyle and a commitment to unmatched quality in horse trailers. Since 1998, every Twister has been proudly manufactured in Fort Scott, Kansas – setting the standard for excellence in the industry. Built with the highest quality materials and custom-made components, Twister trailers are known for their durability, craftsmanship, and unmatched reliability. It’s no surprise Twister remains the trusted name in premier trailers.

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.

Click HERE to visit the

Twister Trailer Facebook Page!

Click HERE to view their website!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US